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A road along the Moselle valley with vineyards and a village church

Car rental in Germany

EU memberSchengen area

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Driving in Germany

Currency
EUR
Driving side
Right-hand traffic
Speed limits
50 / 100 / 130 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.5 ‰
Motorway tolls
no motorway tolls
Emergency number
112
Must carry
a reflective vest and a warning triangle
Rental locations
42
Rental offices
602
Rental companies
13

Renting and documents

An EU or EEA licence is accepted as it is.

Rules of the road

Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on open roads and 130 km/h on motorways. The alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰, and 0.0 ‰ in the first years of driving. You must carry a reflective vest and a warning triangle in the car.

Tolls and winter tyres

Motorways in Germany are free. Winter tyres are compulsory when the road is snow-covered or icy.

Taking the car abroad

You can usually drive into neighbouring EU countries, but the rental company has to allow it and often charges for it. In an emergency dial 112.

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Airports in Germany

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Rental companies in Germany

Offices come from open map data — not every one can be booked through our search.

Frequently asked questions

Germany: which side of the road do they drive on?

On the right. Speed limits are posted at the roadside and differ between towns, open roads and motorways.

Which currency will I be charged in?

Prices are usually set in EUR. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.

Can I drive the car into another country?

Often yes within the EU, but never assume it. Crossing a border has to be allowed by the rental company and usually costs extra, so check the terms before you book.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

An EU or EEA licence is enough.

What are the speed limits in Germany?

50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on open roads, 130 km/h on motorways.

Are the motorways tolled?

Motorways are free.

Travel guides to read before you book

Road rules and tolls

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